Ohio State beat Illinois 42-19, led by Jeremiah Smith’s three first-half touchdowns and 217 yards on 12 catches. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 367 yards and four touchdowns, added a rushing score, while the Buckeyes gave up 199 yards on the ground.
Sayin completed 27 of 36 passes and gained 28 yards on seven carries, including a 7-yard touchdown. The recap highlighted his willingness to run and take hits as positives after criticism of his contribution to Ohio State’s ground game.
Illinois averaged six yards on 33 rushing attempts, with Aidan Laughery accounting for 113 yards on 11 carries. The Illini held possession for 13:15 in the third quarter, limiting Ohio State to one five-play drive; Ohio State sacked Katin Houser twice and improved defensively in the fourth.
